2019.01.06 R. Schlank CommentsROSEMARY A. SCHLANK
9 Bayberry Lane
Rye Brook, NY 10573
(914) 939-9273
RSchlank@ix.netcom.com
January 6, 2019
Mayor Rosenberg and Honorable Members of the Village Board of Trustees
Village of Rye Brook Offices
938 King Street
Rye Brook, NY 10573
Dear Mayor Rosenberg and Trustees,
Re: Written Comments on DEIS for Redevelopment of 900 King Street
The purpose of this letter is to request a 30-day period for submission of written comments
following the close of the public hearing on January 8, 2019. The reason for this request is
to facilitate the submission of questions about the implications of significant subsequent
events (i.e., facts, insights, events and trends that have surfaced subsequent to the
approval of the scoping document for the DEIS).
Normally, the Village sets a 10-day comment period. It is my understanding that the 30-day
period is permitted by SEQRA, and it will not have a detrimental effect on the process. On
the contrary, the extension will be very helpful to business people who have workload peaks
at or near the end of the calendar year. The extension will facilitate the submission of
constructive suggestions and questions. This in turn will help the Board of Trustees to
understand the full environmental impacts that would result from the concept plan and any
related zoning changes from commercial to residential use.
Specific examples of the areas that would be addressed include the following:
1. Questions related to the estimated tax revenues associated with the proposal and
alternatives discussed in the DEIS, including the tax effects of any change in zoning
from commercial to residential.
2. Questions related to the effects on both municipal and non-municipal services,
including the self-policing services that must be established and funded by private
property owners under the laws governing VRB PUDs with private roads.
3. Questions related to the implications of other local projects that were recently
approved or taken under more active consideration, including the cumulative effects
of recent land-use decisions in Glenville and other neighboring areas, the effects of
major construction projects and toll proposals on nearby roads, and the potential for
a competing senior living facility in a more suitable area of Rye Brook.
Rosemary Schlank
900 King Street, page 2
4. Questions about the implications of evolving business events and trends that affect
the proposed and alternative uses of the property at 900 King Street, including the
announcement of Amazon’s nearby NYC HQ, the continued growth of e-commerce,
and the accompanying high level of demand for conversion of commercial office
buildings to the increasingly popular concept of “flex space” – a less radical form of
redevelopment that results in lower occupancy levels by office workers and less
traffic to and from the office buildings during rush hours.
Could you please incorporate the 30-day period for submission of written comments into the
resolution closing the public hearing on January 8, 2019?
Please be assured that we all want to see this matter resolved in an expeditious matter, but
we also all want the decision that is best for our community and our neighbors in other
municipalities who need to use King Street, the Hutchinson River Parkway, and other nearby
alternate routes. If you have any questions or need any more information about any of
these points, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours truly,
Rosemary Schlank
c: Chris Bradbury, Administrator, Village of Rye Brook, NY
Chris Steers, Village Manager, Port Chester, NY
Peter Tesei, First Selectman, Greenwich, CT
Nancy Barr, Westchester Country Legislator, District 6
Board of Directors of Arbors HOA
Leslie Snyder, Attorney for Board of Directors of Arbors HOA